Alzheimers: The Silent Thief

This is a sponsored post on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative.

You look in to your mother’s eyes and you can clearly see that she does not recognize you. It’s your worst nightmare come true. If you or someone you know have experienced this, then you know how life shattering this is for both the individual and their loved ones. Precious memories stolen, taken by a silent thief.

Did you know that one in eight Americans over the age of 65 is currently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s? That’s nearly one of two. That number will only climb as our nation’s population ages. Here are some other statistics you may or may not be aware of:

Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias cost American businesses $61 billion

$24.6 billion directly related to costs associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementia care.

$36.5 billion in costs to businesses, including lost productivity, related to employees providing care for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

In terms of health care expenses and lost wages of both patients and their caregivers, the cost of Alzheimer’s Disease nationwide is estimated at $100 billion per year.

Now I suspect that simply by looking at the numbers that there are very few families that are not effected by this. You either have a family member directly effected, or you have a co-worker who is effected.

Have a look at this video discussion regarding the impact of this ‘Dementia Tsunami’.

So what can you do today to assist in this fight? Sign the Alzheimer’s Prevention Registry at the Twitter. It’s free. The more people who get involved the better. You don’t have to do anything except sign the registry. Such a simple thing that can make a big difference.

Alzheimer's and Dementia are horrible. I know several people who have been affected by its ability to take loved ones away, including myself. My great grandpa has been diagnosed with dementia for about four years now. He was first diagnosed after my great grandma died and he was put into a nursing home. Sometimes I wonder had my Nana not died earlier than expected–she fell and broke her hip and her heart was too weak for surgery–would he have gotten dementia? He never had signs of it previously and was 94 when he was diagnosed. It's odd how diseases can ravage a family that like.

I work for a home and community care organization in Canada and we provide care and support for clients with Alzheimers and their families. Although the impact on clients is heart wrenching, it's impact on family and friend caregivers is no less devastating. In many instances loved ones are left so emotionally and physically exhausted from the task of constantly delivering care that they become even more ill than the ones they were caring for. The additional impact on the economic status of the family as caregivers reduce work hours, decline promotions or outright leave employment leaves very few options open to the family for relief. Very sad for all involved.

We lost my wife's father to dimensia this year. He had been struggling for roughly 8 years. To watch the decline of someone as they slip deeper and deeper into its grip can be disheartening. Even worse, to get any kind of help with long term care her mother had to essentially go broke. Financial and emotional hardship will wear a person down.

This is probably the most important issue you have ever focused on, Cheryl.

Rarely watch a video as long as this one but the facts and figures were all new and it was interesting to learn more about it. Don't have anyone in my family that's had Alzheimers but that may change according to what was said in the video.

Can't help wondering why the pharmaceutical industry haven't found a cure for it? The same goes for cancer. Sometimes I wonder if they want to find cures to some diseases? Maybe it's more lucrative for them not to:-)

Seems the only thing we can do is be mentally and physically active. But hopefully they will come up with a cure in a not too distant future.

Tweeted your post because people all over the world needs to know more about Alzheimers and what's in store for the world.

My mom takes care of her mother in law 24/7 due to Alzheimers. I have seen the toll it takes not only on my grandmother but also on my mom. Sad part is that her daughter lives less than an hour away and only sees her maybe once or twice a year and has refused to help in her care.